CAPT Dave Fluker is a native of Boston, New York. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1987 and was designated a Naval Aviator in December 1988.

Upon completing SH-2F Pilot training, CAPT Fluker reported to HSL-35, where he deployed in numerous ships including USS HORNE (CG-30) for Operation DESERT STORM. During his tour, HSL-35 was awarded the Battle “E.” In 1993, CAPT Fluker transitioned to fly the SH-60B, and was assigned to HSL-41 as a SH-60B instructor pilot. In 1995, CAPT Fluker was recognized as the SH-60B Flight Instructor of the Year.

In 1996, CAPT Fluker reported to USS BOXER (LHD-4), and served as the Flight Deck Officer and Mini Boss, where he deployed in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and numerous multi-national exercises. In 1999 he reported to HSL-45, where he deployed as Detachment OIC in USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG 57) in support of Maritime Interception Operations and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.

Other shore tours include HSL Readiness Officer for Commander, Naval Air Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet, and the Naval Helicopter Transition Team in 2002, where he led the planning for the Navy Helicopter Concept of Operations and the fleet introduction of the MH-60R and MH-60S aircraft. In March 2002, CAPT Fluker graduated from the Naval War College with a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

CAPT Fluker reported to HSL-43, in April 2003, as the Executive Officer. In September 2004, he assumed Command of the “BattleCats.” During his tour, HSL-43 deployed detachments in support of Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM, counter narco-terrorist operations, and Joint Task Force KATRINA. In 2006, he reported to USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD-6) as Air Boss, and deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. BONHOMME RICHARD was awarded the Battle “E” during his tour.

CAPT Fluker has accumulated nearly 3,000 flight hours in Naval aircraft including over 800 small deck landings. He is a Joint Qualified Officer and his awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal as well as various unit and campaign awards.

SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 18, 2012) – USS Essex (LHD 2) hosted a lunch for over 100 personnel assigned to the Japan Regional Maintenance Center detachment Sasebo (JRMC) Jan. 18. The lunch was held to thank the JRMC detachment Sasebo team for their services to Essex for over 11 years of being forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan.

SASEBO, Japan (June 4, 2010) - Senior military and civil leaders of the United States and Japan observe a fireworks display aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) following a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan.

SASEBO, Japan – Senior Navy and civil officials from the U.S. and Japan attended a reception aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) June 4 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan

SASEBO, Japan (June 28, 2010) - HT3 Rachel Stubbs demonstrates how to use a self-contained breathing apparatus as part of a Board of Inspection and Survey aboard the USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group.

SEA OF JAPAN - An AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is on patrol in the Western Pacific.

EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 9, 2010) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), enter the well deck during Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) operations. Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is on patrol in the Western Pacific

The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESX ARG) will participate in the integrated joint training exercise Valiant Shield 2010 (VS 10) Sept. 12-21 off the coast of the island nation of Palau and ending in Guam

EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 12, 2010) – Sailors assigned to the aircraft intermediate maintenance department (AIMD) aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) have been working with Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) around the clock to ensure that their aircraft are ready for every mission during exercise Valiant Shield 2010.

PHILIPPINE SEA - Marine aviation ordnancemen move away from a AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft after arming a GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided bomb on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Valiant Shield 2010, a joint U.S. military exercise in the Pacific.

OKINAWA, Japan – The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESX ARG) embarked the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan Sept. 5-6 in support of the ESX ARG’s current patrol throughout the Western Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 5, 2010) – The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), with support from the ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), completed a MEU certification exercise (CERTEX) Oct. 4 and is now certified for deployment.

SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines – Ten foreign nationals took an oath of allegiance to the United States during a naturalization ceremony aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex to officially become American citizens.

GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 26, 2011) - A color guard parades the colors on the flight deck of USS Essex (LHD 2) at the start of a reception for senior civil and military officials from the U.S. and Kingdom of Cambodia.

SIHANOUKVILLE, Kingdom of Cambodia (March 2, 2011) – Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) participated in a community service (COMSERV) project March 2 at the Village d’enfant de Sihanoukville orphanage in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

SEPANGAR, Malaysia (March 11, 2001) - Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit return to the ship at Sepangar Naval Base to ensure the ship and crew are ready to support earthquake and tsunami relief operations in Japan if directed

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 13, 2011) Sailors on the bridge of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) navigate the ship to the coast of Japan. Essex is off the coast to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance as directed in support of Operation Tomodachi.

OSHIMA ISLAND (April 3, 2011) - Sailors attached to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) move a fishing boat from a harbor on Oshima Island, Japan. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group are on Oshima Island to help clear a harbor and assist with cleaning debris from roads and a local school in support of Operation Tomodachi.

SASEBO, Japan – The flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) was the backdrop for 35 Sailors and Marines, nine spouses and two children becoming U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony May 20.

SASEBO, Japan – Japanese students from the University of Fukuoka had the opportunity to see the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) up close and personal during a ship tour May 27.

SASEBO, Japan - Ships of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) departed Sasebo, Japan Sept. 21 to begin a patrol of the Western Pacific region. During the patrol, Essex ARG will embark and work with elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to complete an amphibious integration training and certification exercise off the coast of Okinawa.

AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 214 lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). USS Essex is part of the forward deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and is conducting operations in the Western Pacific.

BALI, Indonesia – Senior military and civil officials from the U.S. and Indonesia attended a reception hosted onboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Nov. 20 to celebrate cooperation between the two countries.

SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 13, 2011) - Mr. Takashi Shima, a painter and photographer for over 50 years, visited the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Tuesday Dec. 13 to deliver a painting of the ship to the commanding officer, Capt. David Fluker, in recognition of its participation in Operation Tomodachi. The water color painting shows Essex at sea during flight operations with several CH-53E Sea Stallions flying overhead.

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